Surprise! There’s only 100 days until Christmas! Does that scare you? How about I give you some tips to prepare for a stress-free holiday season?
We all know the winter holidays can be an overwhelming time of year. It is such a wonderful time but can easily be overshadowed by our to-do lists. Many of these tasks can be much more enjoyable if we do them in advance which takes away the last minute pressure.
Here are 7 tips that will get you ready for a stress-free holiday season:
1. Imagine what you want the holidays to look like.
I have many ideas of what I’d like to do during the holidays, such as making homemade gifts and seeing A Christmas Carol on stage, but by the time December rolls around I’m often in survival mode and few of these things ever happen.
Now is a great time to dream about the things you would like to do and the way you would like the holidays to be. Is there a new tradition you would like to start? Is there a holiday activity you’ve always wanted to do? Make a list now. Here is the key: don’t go overboard. In our Pinterest-inspired world, it’s easy to want to do all the things. It simply isn’t possible. Write down the things that would be most meaningful to you.
2. Brainstorm gift ideas.
Gift giving can be both fun and stressful. To help eliminate the stress, make a list of all the people you need to buy for, including teachers, coworkers, and the dreaded white elephant parties, and jot down gift ideas for as many of those as you can. You’ll be better prepared to shop with a list in hand and you can update it as you think of more ideas.
Now is also the time to decide if you want to handmake any gifts. Handmaking gifts in December just adds stress to an already busy season. Getting started now will allow you to enjoy the creative process.
3. Create your own gift wish list.
You will inevitably be asked what you want for Christmas. When put on the spot, I can never think of any good ideas. By making a list now, you can offer good ideas that are for things you would actually want. People want to buy gifts that others would truly enjoy. You help them by giving ideas of things you would actually want. Think of things you would like but might not buy for yourself or gift cards to do for to help make a larger purchase.
4. Decide on decor changes.
I love to change things up a little each year. Most of the good stuff is already gone by December. Many stores already have Christmas decor out. Craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels run these items on sale frequently 40-60% off. Last year, I wrote a post including inexpensive tips to change up Christmas decor. My favorites include changing ribbon and draping inexpensive colored fabric in place of tree skirts.
Now is also a good time to scan your saved pins on Pinterest and choose any projects you would like to do for Christmas. Now is a good time to take on these projects and again be allowed to enjoy the creative process.
5. Prepare for Christmas cards now.
If you like to send out photo Christmas cards, take your photos now. Check your addresses to see if you need to make any updates. I’m planning to make my Christmas cards this year, so I know I need to get started on those. Decide what your going to do for Christmas cards this year and do the prep work now so sending cards is a breeze!
6. Select the new recipes you would like to try.
When I was younger, my mom and I spent so much time baking for the holidays. This is one of the many reasons Christmastime is my favorite time of year. I have so many recipes saved to try out. Now is the perfect time to flip through and choose a few new ones to try this year. Many treats can be made ahead and frozen to make holiday treats a breeze.
7. Choose to let go of the things that aren’t important.
During this hectic season, we should remember what the winter holidays are truly about: celebrating the birth of Jesus, being thankful for all we have, and enjoying time with family and friends. It is a wonderful, joyous time of year that can be brought down by taking on too many things. Choose to let go of the things that don’t bring joy to you or others and distract you from the reason we are celebrating.
Just as you made a list of things you want to do this season, make a second list of the things you don’t want to do. What can you eliminate to create a stress-free holiday season? What needs to change? This step is just as important as the first.
I hope you find these tips helpful. My goal is that you will be prepared to enjoy the holidays and not be overwhelmed by the tasks required.
Do you have advice that can help others prepare for a stress-free holiday season? I would love your input!
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